Worried That Someone You Care About Is Showing Signs Of Depression?

Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, or where they fit on the socio-economic scale. Depression typically affects as many as 19 million Americans each year, however, the September 11 terrorist attacks and ensuing events have caused even more people than usual to become particularly vulnerable to depression.

People with depression cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can get worse and last for weeks, months, or even years. However, once treatment has begun, as many as 90% of those suffering from depression--even those with the most severe cases--can begin to experience relief.

Perhaps you’re concerned about someone in your family or a friend of yours and wonder if their recent affect and behavior is an indication of depression...You want to do whatever you can to make them feel better, but are unsure of just what to say or what you can do that will help them the most...For starters, it’s important to know how to recognize the standard warning signs of clinical depression and to be familiar with the forms of treatment that are available.

What is depression?

Depression is more than the blues or the blahs; it is more than the normal, everyday ups and downs. When that "down" mood, along with other symptoms, lasts for more than a couple of weeks, the condition may be clinical depression. Clinical depression is a serious health problem that affects the total person. In addition to feelings, it can change behavior, physical health and appearance, academic performance, social activity and the ability to handle everyday decisions and pressures.

What causes depression?

We do not yet know all the causes of depression, but there seem to be biological and emotional factors that may increase the likelihood that an individual will develop a depressive disorder. Research over the past decade strongly suggests a genetic link to depressive disorders; depression can run in families. Difficult life experiences and certain personal patterns such as difficulty handling stress, low self-esteem, or extreme pessimism about the future can increase the chances of becoming depressed.

How common is it?

Clinical depression is a lot more common than most people think. It typically affects more than 19 million Americans each year. One-fourth of all women and one-eighth of all men will suffer at least one episode or occurrence of depression during their lifetimes. Depression affects people of all ages but is less common for children and teenagers than for adults.

Is it serious?

Depression can be very serious. It has been linked to poor work performance, alcohol and drug abuse, serious interpersonal problems, and feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. Suicide is often linked to depression.

Is depression the same for everyone?

There are various forms or types of depression. Some people experience only one episode of depression in their whole life, but many have several recurrences. Some depressive episodes begin suddenly for no apparent reason, while others can be associated with a life situation or stress. Sometimes people who are depressed cannot perform even the simplest daily activities--like getting out of bed or getting dressed; others go through the motions, but it is clear they are not acting or thinking as usual.

Can it be treated?

Yes, depression is treatable. Between 80 and 90 percent of people with depression--even the most severe cases--can be helped. There are a variety of antidepressant medications and psychotherapies that can be used to treat depressive disorders. Some people with milder forms may do well with psychotherapy alone. People with moderate to severe depression most often benefit from antidepressants. Most do best with combined treatment: medication to gain relatively quick symptom relief and psychotherapy to learn more effective ways to deal with life’s problems, including depression.

The most important step toward overcoming depression--and sometimes the most difficult--is asking for help.

Why don’t some people get the help they need?

Often people don’t know they are depressed, so they don’t ask for or get the right help. They often fail to recognize the symptoms of depression in themselves or in other people.

Distinguishing the Difference Between Fact and Fiction

Myths about depression often separate people from the effective treatments now available. Friends need to know the facts. Some of the most common myths are these:

Myth: People who claim to be depressed are weak and just need to pull themselves together. There’s nothing anyone else can do to help.

Fact: Depression is not a weakness, but a serious health disorder. People who are depressed need professional treatment. A trained therapist or counselor can help them learn more positive ways to think about themselves, change behavior, cope with problems, or handle relationships. A physician can prescribe medications to help relieve the symptoms of depression. For many people, a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the most effective treatment.

Myth: Talking about depression only makes it worse.

Fact: Talking through feelings may help your friend recognize the need for professional help. By showing friendship and concern and giving uncritical support, you can encourage them to seek the treatment that can begin to alleviate their troubling symptoms.

Know the Symptoms

The first step toward defeating depression is to know how to recognize it. However, people who are depressed often have a hard time thinking clearly or recognizing their own symptoms. They may need your help. Check the following to see if a friend or friends have had any of the following symptoms for longer than two weeks.

Do they express feelings of:

·Sadness or "emptiness"?

·Hopelessness, pessimism, or guilt?

·Helplessness or worthlessness?

Do they seem:

·Unable to make decisions?

·Unable to concentrate and remember?

·To have more problems with work and family?

Do they complain of:

·Loss of energy and drive--so they seem "slowed down"?

·Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting up?

·Appetite problems; are they losing or gaining weight?

·Headaches, stomachaches, or backaches?

·Chronic aches and pains in joints and muscles?

Has their behavior changed suddenly so that:

·They are restless or more irritable?

·They want to be alone most of the time?

·They’ve lost interest in things they used to enjoy?

·They are withdrawing from family and friends?

·You think they may be drinking heavily or taking drugs?

Find Someone Who Can Help

If you answered yes to several of the items, your friend may need help. Don’t assume that someone else is taking care of the problem. Negative thinking, inappropriate behavior or physical changes need to be reversed as quickly as possible. Not only does treatment lessen the severity of depression, treatment can also reduce the length of time your friend remains depressed and may even prevent additional bouts of depression.

Encourage him or her to get a professional diagnosis. If your friend doesn’t have a therapist whom they already know and trust, tell them about how they can find a skilled professional using 4therapy’s Therapist Locator.

Reference: National Institute of Mental Health

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